The 1890s were a time of experimentation and discovery in the world of cinema, with pioneers like Georges Méliès and the Lumière brothers pushing the boundaries of what was possible in visual storytelling. These films, ranging from mesmerizing displays of special effects to candid snapshots of everyday life, represent not just the infancy of a new art form but also a window into a world on the brink of the 20th century. In this article, we revisit these groundbreaking works, each a unique piece of film history, and celebrate their enduring legacy in shaping the medium we know and love today. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the ten best films of the 1890s.
10. The Haunted Castle – Georges Méliès (1896)
In “The Haunted Castle,” directed by Georges Méliès, viewers are whisked away on a supernatural journey within the atmospheric walls of a mysterious and foreboding castle. The film takes place as a weary traveler, in search of shelter, stumbles upon this castle, only to find himself entangled in a series of ghostly apparitions and otherworldly phenomena. The narrative portrays the feelings of fear and curiosity, as the traveler confronts an array of spectral figures, each more haunting than the last. Méliès’ pioneering special effects masterfully bring the ghostly elements of the tale to life, filling the story with a dream-like, surreal dimension.
This movie stands as a landmark in cinematic history, showcasing Méliès’ groundbreaking use of stage magic techniques adapted for the big screen. His innovative approach to visual storytelling not only captivated audiences but also laid the groundwork for the future of the fantasy and horror genres in cinema. The Haunted Castle is a historical artifact, a testament to the early fascination of the moving image and an exploration of its untapped potential. It shines a light on the creative and technical evolution of film during the 1890s, solidifying Méliès’ genius in the world of early filmmaking.
9. The Devil in a Convent – Georges Méliès (1899)
“The Devil in a Convent,” yet another cinematic treasure from the mind of Georges Méliès, presents a fascinating narrative that explores themes of temptation, deception, and illusion. Set in a convent, the film portrays the ensuing chaos caused by the devil’s intrusion into this sacred space. Disguised as a priest, the devil sets about unleashing a bewildering series of magical tricks and illusions, sparking a mix of shock, confusion, and amusement among the unsuspecting nuns. The film’s plot navigates through these extraordinary supernatural occurrences, showcasing Méliès’ remarkable flair for blending elements of humor with the fantastical and surreal.
This film stands out due to its playful yet thought-provoking portrayal of religious themes combined with the supernatural realm. Méliès’ unparalleled skill in using special effects is once again on display, as he transforms the conventional, tranquil setting of a convent into a vibrant stage for an array of magical and mystical events. The Devil in a Convent stands as evidence of the director’s imagination and his ability to captivate and engage audiences with his innovative storytelling techniques. It remains a highly influential work in the history of early cinema, demonstrating the seemingly limitless possibilities of the medium and ensuring its place as one of the best films of the 1890s.
8. The Sprinkler Sprinkled – Louis Lumière (1895)
In “The Sprinkler Sprinkled,” directed by Louis Lumière, the film captures a delightfully engaging and amusing sequence of events unfolding in a tranquil garden setting. A gardener diligently waters his plants, blissfully unaware of the impending mischievous plot brewing around him. A cunning young boy stealthily sneaks up and steps on the hose, halting the water flow and setting the stage for a comical and unexpected turn of events. This leads to a hilarious situation when the unsuspecting gardener inspects the nozzle, only to be doused when the boy releases his foot. The film’s simplicity highlights the everyday, relatable humor that emerged as a delightful novelty in early cinema.
This film stands as a pioneering example of comedic timing and slapstick humor in the world of cinema. It showcases the Lumière brothers’ exceptional ability to transform an ordinary, everyday moment into an entertaining and memorable spectacle. The film’s enduring significance lies in its ability to represent facets of daily life with a humorous twist, a universal theme that continues to resonate with audiences across generations. “The Sprinkler Sprinkled” not only provides serves as an insightful glimpse into the innovative and practical applications of early film technology, capturing the essence of life’s simple pleasures and the joy of unexpected moments.
7. Workers Leaving the Lumière Factory – Louis Lumière (1895)
“Workers Leaving the Lumière Factory,” another insightful creation by Louis Lumière, presents a scene that, while seemingly ordinary, holds profound historical and cultural significance. The film captures the everyday routine of workers as they exit the Lumière factory, a moment that reflects the daily rhythm and industrial hustle of the era. This straightforward depiction of industrial workers in their natural environment offers a rare, unfiltered glimpse into the working-class life of the late 19th century. The film’s lack of a traditional narrative structure emphasizes its focus on capturing real-life moments in their purest form.
This short film is particularly notable for its authentic documentation of the labor force during a pivotal era in industrial history. It provides a valuable visual record, rich in details of the period’s fashion, the workers’ behavior, and the social dynamics of the time. The Lumière brothers’ pioneering use of the cinematograph camera in capturing such unscripted, candid moments laid the foundation for the genre of documentary filmmaking. “Workers Leaving the Lumière Factory” is a significant cultural artifact, offering deep insight into the lifestyles, work environment, and social conditions of the time, making it one of the best films of the 1890s.
6. Cinderella – Georges Méliès (1899)
“Cinderella,” directed by Georges Méliès, brings to life the beloved classic fairy tale with an enchanting blend of magic and imaginative creativity. The story follows the young Cinderella, a character subjected to the harsh treatment of her cruel stepmother and stepsisters. On the pivotal night of a grand ball, Cinderella’s fortunes dramatically change when she receives magical assistance from a benevolent fairy godmother, who transforms her appearance in a spectacular fashion. This miraculous transformation becomes the catalyst for a series of captivating and enchanting events, leading Cinderella’s life towards a path filled with wonder and extraordinary happenings.
This film stands as a testament to Méliès’ skill in adapting well-known and cherished stories through the innovative lens of early cinema. His ingenious use of special effects, combined with masterful stagecraft and compelling storytelling, creates a visually mesmerizing experience for viewers. “Cinderella” is significant not only for its engaging narrative but also for its impressive technical achievements in the evolving world of film. It stands as an early, pioneering example of how cinema has the power to breathe new life into classic stories, offering audiences around the world a fresh and visually stunning way to experience these familiar tales in a manner that was previously unimagined.
5. Snowball Fight – Louis Lumière (1897)
In “Snowball Fight,” directed by Louis Lumière, the film captures a vibrant winter scene, brimming with energy and joy. It showcases a group of people from all walks of life engaging in a lively snowball fight on a bustling street, covered in a blanket of fresh, glistening snow. The participants, including unsuspecting passersby caught in the playful crossfire, gleefully throw snowballs at each other, creating an atmosphere that is both lively and infectiously dynamic. This seemingly simple yet deeply engaging scene offers viewers a heartwarming glimpse into the pure, unadulterated joys of everyday life during the winter months.
This short film is particularly notable for its authentic depiction of spontaneous, genuine human interaction and camaraderie. Lumière’s ability to capture the very essence and vitality of a moment is evident in this short but memorable piece. “Snowball Fight” serves as a quintessential example of the extraordinary power of film to preserve and immortalize fleeting moments of human joy, laughter, and playful interaction. It remains an endearing and beloved example of early cinema’s unique ability to document, celebrate, and elevate the simple joys and pleasures of everyday life, ensuring its place as one of the best films of the 1890s.
4. Serpentine Dance – Louis Lumière (1897)
“Serpentine Dance,” another entry directed by Louis Lumière, showcases a mesmerizing and entrancing performance of a popular dance form that captivated audiences of the time. The film features a solo dancer, gracefully adorned in flowing, vibrant robes, performing the serpentine dance against a stark, dark background that serves to highlight her movements. Her movements are exceptionally fluid and graceful, effortlessly creating mesmerizing and almost hypnotic patterns with her billowing dress that dances in harmony with her. The scene’s simplicity further emphasizes the dance’s innate elegance and the remarkable skill of the dancer.
This short film is a vibrant celebration of movement and visual artistry, capturing the inherent beauty and expressive power of dance through the innovative and emerging medium of film. It illustrates the extraordinary potential of cinema to capture, enhance, and elevate the performing arts, adding a new visual dimension to the art of dance. The Lumière brothers’ work in this film is a shining example of their commitment to documenting and presenting the various artistic expressions of their era. “Serpentine Dance” remains a visually stunning and timeless piece, standing as evidence to the early fascination with motion in film, and its ability to create an experience that is visually enthralling for audiences of all ages and times.
3. The Four Troublesome Heads – Georges Méliès (1898)
In “The Four Troublesome Heads,” the visionary Georges Méliès presents a whimsically creative film that plays with the concept illusion. The plot revolves around a performer, portrayed by Méliès himself, who, through the magic of early cinema, removes his head and then duplicates it three times, each time with increasing wonder and astonishment. The heads, each bearing a distinct and expressive face, engage in a captivating performance as they sing and interact with each other, creating a scene that is both surreal and humorous. This film stands as a pioneering and early example of the creative use of trick photography and innovative visual effects in cinema.
Méliès’ groundbreaking and innovative use of special effects in this film showcases a humorous and bizarre spectacle that was ahead of its time. His ability to blend illusion with storytelling was a significant and influential development in the art and craft of filmmaking. “The Four Troublesome Heads” is much more than just a display of technical skill, it is also a vibrant showcase of Méliès’ boundless creativity and his unique sense of humor. This film remains an iconic and classic example of early cinema’s exploration of the fantastical and the absurd, capturing the imaginations of audiences and ensuring its place as one of the best films of the 1890s.
2. The Arrival of a Train at La Ciotat – Auguste Lumière, Louis Lumière (1897)
“The Arrival of a Train at La Ciotat,” directed by the brothers Auguste and Louis Lumière, is a historically significant film that captures the arrival of a steam train at La Ciotat Station. It presents a straightforward yet striking scene of a large, powerful steam train pulling into the station, while passengers and bystanders move about engaging in a variety of activities. This seemingly mundane event is transformed through the Lumière brothers’ lens, offering viewers a novel and captivating perspective on the rhythms of everyday life. The film is renowned for its astounding effect on audiences at the time of release, who were reportedly startled and overwhelmed by the realistic image of the train advancing towards them.
This short but impactful film is widely celebrated for its pioneering role in the evolution of documentary filmmaking and in the broader history of cinema. The Lumière brothers’ decision to record an ordinary, everyday event was a significant shift in the collective understanding of what film could capture. It underscores the remarkable power of film to eternally preserve a moment in time, offering future generations an authentic window into the past. “The Arrival of a Train at La Ciotat” captures both the wonder and the novelty of moving images, while illustrating the incredible potential of a new medium.
1. The Astronomer’s Dream – Georges Méliès (1898)
“The Astronomer’s Dream,” directed by the visionary Georges Méliès, is a spellbinding and fantastical journey into the boundless realms of dreams and imagination. In this film, an astronomer, overcome by fatigue, falls into a deep slumber beside his trusty telescope and is swiftly transported into a dream world teeming with celestial wonders. His dream takes him on a voyage through the vast expanses of space, where he encounters a variety of celestial bodies, each more awe-inspiring than the last, and encounters mythical figures that defy explanation. This fantastical adventure blurs the boundaries between the worlds of reality and fantasy, showcasing Méliès’ unparalleled talent for crafting whimsical narratives that captivate and intrigue.
Méliès’ film is a remarkable example of early science fiction and fantasy cinema, a genre that he helped pioneer. His use of groundbreaking special effects, coupled with innovative set designs and imaginative storytelling techniques, makes this film a visual feast, a kaleidoscope of wonder and creativity. “The Astronomer’s Dream” is an embodiment of Méliès’ deep-seated fascination with the unknown and the unexplored, and his passionate desire to delve into these mysteries through the medium of film. This remains an essential and influential piece of cinematic history, capturing the hearts and imaginations of audiences over many years, solidifying its place as one of the best films of the 1890s.
Summary
To summarise, here are the ten best films of the 1890s:
- The Haunted Castle – Georges Méliès (1896)
- The Devil in a Convent – Georges Méliès (1899)
- The Sprinkler Sprinkled – Louis Lumière (1895)
- Workers Leaving the Lumière Factory – Louis Lumière (1895)
- Cinderella – Georges Méliès (1899)
- Snowball Fight – Louis Lumière (1897)
- Serpentine Dance – Louis Lumière (1897)
- The Four Troublesome Heads – Georges Méliès (1898)
- The Arrival of a Train at La Ciotat – Auguste Lumière, Louis Lumière (1897)
- The Astronomer’s Dream – Georges Méliès (1898)
